CountyScore

Washington County

Vermont · VT

#11 in Vermont
61.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Washington County, Vermont

Washington County solidly above national average

Washington County's composite score of 61.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by more than 11 points, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. The county benefits from higher median incomes and strong health outcomes that lift its overall profile.

Mid-tier performer in Vermont

Washington County ranks third statewide with a score of 61.6, 2.4 points below Vermont's average of 64.0. It occupies the middle ground between Orange/Orleans counties and Windham/Windsor counties in overall livability.

Income and health lead the profile

Washington County's income score of 35.5 is the second-highest among Vermont counties, with a median household income of $79,853, reflecting stronger earning potential than most neighbors. Its health score of 81.0 demonstrates robust healthcare access and population wellness.

Housing costs and risk resilience lag

Washington County's median home value of $293,900 is the highest among the six counties, reducing affordability despite solid incomes. Its risk score of 47.8 suggests moderate vulnerability to environmental or economic disruptions, the weakest dimension in the profile.

Best for higher-income, health-conscious families

Washington County suits established families and dual-income households prioritizing health services and earning potential over affordability. It's the most expensive county studied, but its higher incomes and excellent health metrics justify consideration for those less constrained by housing costs.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax49.7Cost66.1SafetyComing SoonHealth81SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.5Risk47.8WaterComing Soon
🏛49.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤81
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡47.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Washington County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Calaveras County
California
61.6
Median income: $79,877
Volusia County
Florida
61.6
Median income: $66,581
Washoe County
Nevada
61.6
Median income: $85,600
Butler County
Ohio
61.6
Median income: $81,194
Greene County
Ohio
61.6
Median income: $85,218

Deep Dives

Washington County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Washington County

via TaxByCounty

Washington County taxes rank among highest

Washington County's 1.868% effective tax rate is more than double the national median of 0.76%, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median annual tax of $5,491 exceeds the national median by 104%, driven by both high rates and above-average home values of $293,900.

Washington near top of Vermont ranks

Washington County ranks third highest among Vermont's 14 counties at 1.868%, exceeding the state average of 1.718% by 0.150 percentage points. Its median tax of $5,491 is the second-highest in Vermont, reflecting both elevated rates and the county's status as home to Vermont's capital region.

Washington leads its regional peers

Washington County's 1.868% rate tops Orange County (1.753%) and Rutland County (1.858%), though it trails Windsor County (1.975%) to the east. Among central Vermont options, Washington demands the highest tax commitment relative to its immediate neighbors.

Washington homeowners pay $5,491 yearly

On Washington County's median home value of $293,900, the typical resident pays about $5,491 in annual property taxes. That's approximately $458 per month—among the steepest tax burdens in Vermont.

Assessment review could save hundreds

Washington County homeowners facing high tax bills should request their town assessor review their property valuation against recent market sales. If your home was overassessed, appealing now could recover significant money before your next reassessment cycle.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washington County

via CostByCounty

Washington County leads in income, not rent relief

Washington County has the highest median household income in Vermont at $79,853, edging the national median by $5,100. Yet renters spend 16.4% of income on housing—the state's best rate—demonstrating that strong earnings here translate into genuine affordability rather than inflated rent.

Vermont's affordability leader

Washington County boasts both the state's highest median income and the second-lowest rent-to-income ratio at 16.4%, beaten only by Orleans County. This combination positions it as the most balanced county for households seeking both earning potential and housing comfort.

Highest rents, offset by highest incomes

Washington's $1,094 median rent is the state's highest, and homeowners here face steep $1,470 monthly costs—the priciest in Vermont. However, the median home value of $293,900 and strong incomes justify these costs for buyers seeking investment-grade properties.

Premium housing on premium incomes

Renters allocate $1,094 monthly from a $79,853 income, consuming just 16.4%—the state's best ratio—while homeowners spend $1,470, or roughly 22% of earnings. This leaves Washington County households with the most discretionary income of any Vermont county.

For those who can afford premium prices

Washington County is Vermont's prosperity pocket: if you have strong earning power or remote income, you'll find quality housing stock and the state's best affordability safety net. Move here for mountain scenery, cultural assets, and the financial breathing room that comes with higher incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washington County

via IncomeByCounty

Washington County leads Vermont and the nation

Washington County's median household income of $79,853 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $5,098, ranking among the strongest-earning counties in the country. This income advantage reflects robust earning power and a healthy economic base.

Vermont's highest-earning county

Washington County tops all Vermont counties with a median income $4,810 above the state average of $75,043. The county's per capita income of $45,017 is also the state's highest, indicating broadly shared prosperity.

Outearns all Vermont peers by significant margins

Washington County households earn $79,853 compared to $75,247 in Windsor, $77,328 in Orange, and just $64,778 in Rutland—a $15,075 advantage over Rutland alone. This income leadership reflects Washington's stronger labor market and higher-wage employers.

Strong income supports higher housing costs

Washington County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio is among Vermont's best, and the median home value of $293,900 is the state's highest. Despite pricier housing, strong incomes make both renting and homeownership feasible for median earners here.

Washington leads the way in wealth building

With the state's highest incomes and manageable housing costs, Washington County residents have the strongest foundation to save, invest, and build generational wealth. Strategic planning around retirement, education funding, and real estate can amplify this economic advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Washington County

via HealthByCounty

Washington County achieves exceptional longevity

At 79.0 years, Washington County residents live nearly 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, placing the county among America's healthiest regions. Only 13.4% of residents report poor or fair health, substantially outperforming the national 17.3% rate and indicating strong preventive care.

Vermont's top-tier health outcomes thrive here

Washington County's 79.0-year life expectancy ranks among Vermont's highest, exceeding the state average of 78.2 years by 0.8 years. The county's strong health metrics place it consistently in the upper echelon of Vermont's six major county health rankings.

Leading peers across health dimensions

Washington County's 79.0-year life expectancy trails only Orange (79.1) while beating Orleans by 2.8 years and Rutland by 2.5 years. With 97 primary care providers per 100K and an exceptional 654 mental health providers per 100K, Washington delivers robust healthcare access across the board.

Strong insurance coverage, excellent provider density

Washington County's 4.6% uninsured rate ranks among Vermont's lowest and falls below the state average of 5.1%, ensuring most residents can access care. The county boasts 97 primary care providers and 654 mental health providers per 100K—well above most peers—enabling comprehensive healthcare access.

Maintain your coverage advantage

Washington County's strong insurance rates give most residents direct access to the county's robust network of 97 primary care and 654 mental health providers. If you're among the 4.6% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or Vermont's Health Care Access Project to complete your coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washington County

via RiskByCounty

Washington County's elevated disaster risks

Washington County's composite risk score of 52.23 and "Relatively Low" rating exceed the national average, indicating above-typical exposure to natural hazards. The county's central Vermont location exposes it to flooding, hurricanes, and moderate earthquake risk.

Third-riskiest county in Vermont

Washington County's 52.23 score ranks it 43% above Vermont's state average of 36.44 and third-highest in statewide risk. Only Windham (56.93) and Windsor (61.58) counties carry greater composite disaster exposure in Vermont.

Notably riskier than northern counties

Washington County faces substantially higher risk than Orange County (26.43) and Orleans County (36.83), though it ranks slightly below Rutland County (50.48). Southern neighbors Windham and Windsor counties both present higher risk profiles, making Washington a moderate-hazard transitional zone.

Flooding emerges as primary threat

Flood risk (70.90) dominates Washington County's hazard landscape, with hurricane risk (67.33) and earthquake risk (52.42) forming a secondary tier of concern. Tornado risk (13.93) and wildfire risk (19.12) remain comparatively manageable in this central Vermont region.

Prioritize flood and wind insurance

Washington County residents must secure standalone flood insurance and comprehensive hurricane coverage, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Properties in or near flood-prone areas warrant elevation assessments and water-resistant construction improvements to minimize disaster financial impact.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.